Feyenoord win at Woudestein and await championship game at De Kuip: ‘Looking forward to it’
NOS Football–
Watch the summary of Excelsior – Feyenoord
The championship could not yet be celebrated due to PSV’s win at Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday (0-1), but a win over neighboring Excelsior could ensure that Feyenoord can secure the title next week at De Kuip. Thanks to two goals by Santiago Gimenez at Woudestein, they succeeded: 0-2.
Excelsior carefully built a black-and-red wall in front of their own goal, but it was soon demolished. Igor Paixão curled the ball in front and Gimenez nodded in. In the remainder of the first half, Excelsior held firm, also because Feyenoord used a far too low tempo.
Excelsior not cooperating: ‘Field was slow’
The artificial grass pitch in Kralingen, which had not been sprayed by the home club, did not cooperate, according to Arne Slot. “I am not an opponent of artificial grass, but not sprinkling beforehand should not be possible,” the Feyenoord coach stated afterwards. “The pitch was very slow. Excelsior chose an excellent style of play for these conditions and made it very difficult for us. Compliments to Excelsior.”
Watch reactions from Santiago Gimenez and Arne Slot below.
It was a bit of a scare in the first half for Slot and the many Feyenoord fans traveling with him in all corners of the stadium. Indeed, Paixão collided hard and seemed to have suffered a major knee injury. That didn’t turn out to be so bad. The Brazilian returned to the field after treatment and played until the 61st minute.
Just after halftime Excelsior suddenly crawled out of its shell and was close to the 1-1 draw through Couhaib Driouech and Kenneth Goudmijn. Justin Bijlow saved twice. Gimenez was invisible after his opening goal. Until the 75th minute. Then the Mexican shot his second goal of the afternoon after a pass from substitute Quinten Timber.
Slot thanks Gimenez and Bijlow
“Because of Bijlow and Gimenez we win the game,” Slot said. “We know we have a good goalkeeper and we needed it today. And I’m glad Gimenez took advantage of the two chances he got.”
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Santiago Gimenez celebrates his early goal against Excelsior. -
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Igor Paixão lies groaning in pain on the pitch.
Gimenez scored his twelfth goal after the winter break and his fourteenth all season. For the first time, he scored twice in an premier league match. Redouan El Yaakoubi then seemed to make it exciting, but again Bijlow saved.
“Stand up for the champion,” it sounded from the stands in the closing stages. The fans can look forward to a championship match on May 14 at De Kuip against Go Ahead Eagles. If they win, Feyenoord will be champions. “Looking forward to it a lot,” Slot said.
Watch reactions from Feyenoord mercenary Marouan Azarkan and Excelsior coach Marinus Dijkhuizen below.
